Adjustments

The last six weeks have been challenging, to say the least.

From the moment the KLM plane flew over frozen lakes and snow-capped treetops, to the overwhelmingly expansive supermarket aisles, it became clear that an interesting journey lay ahead of my sun-soaked self.

Just north of Newark Airport

Remnants of the terrible winter the northeast experienced!

Culture shock has taken up residence, making a daily appearance as I walk around the streets of Manhattan and Brooklyn, quieted by the change in my perspective. The pace and pulse of NYC exhaust though thrill me as I (attempt to) settle back into life here.

An empty street

View of lower Manhattan from the Manhattan Bridge, taken during a sunset walk home.

A slightly different view from my commute in Tanzania

Sunset whilst walking home in Tanzania

Many questions have arisen about my next steps: “Where will you work?”, “Where will you live?”, and the most common: “You’re not leaving again, right?!” A handful of caring friends have even made efforts to set me up with would-be suitors. Never a dull moment! FYI these are all fantastic questions I hope to answer soon, so stay tuned!*

A hat, anyone?!

Indeed it is most daunting to approach my future and the reality that this is the first time since 2009 that I have arrived in the US with no definitive plan to return to Tanzania for more than a visit. That said, it is quite exciting!

The ending of one chapter and subsequent beginning of a new one usually bring much reflection, so for this reason I am especially grateful for my upcoming pilgrimage: On May 18, I am flying to Spain for a three week journey along The Way, or El Camino de la Compostela. You can read more about it here!!.

Thousands have made this journey over the years. As I join these throngs, I anticipate continued adventures! Likewise I am hopeful that I’ll retain some of the Spanish I’ve been attempting to learn so that I don’t confuse those around me with my French/Kiswahili brain! Twendeni mes amigos, er, something like that!!

*Though I am no longer in Tanzania, I am still managing Journeys of Solutions’ Child Sponsorship Progam, and would be happy to answer any questions about JOS’ work!! Likewise, can answer questions about Tanzania Education Corp’s continued work in/around Karatu and/or direct you to TEC’s on the ground team!

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3 responses

Susan Rickert

Dear Elizabeth,

Thank you for keeping us updated. I will pray for an enlightening experience while you walk on your physical, emotional, personal and spiritual journey in Spain. Please keep me posted. I love to follow your life as it unfolds.

Meshack Muyinga the assistant principal of Banjika recently spent 8 days with me in San Francisco in my home. Talk about a CULTURE SHOCK!. He then went to Denver for a 5 day leadership conference put on by World LEadership School with Ross Wehner as the founder and director. Very helpful and impressive a course. Then Ross WEhner came to S.F. and stayed with me for 3 days, while he attended another conference here in the city.

Many good conversations occurred while both of them were here at different times. I will return to Tanzania in Oct./Nov. for 3 weeks for my 14th visit. Janice Lathen leaves today for Dodoma to attend an IT national conference of educators.

So very happy to get your update â you continue to be in my thoughts and I am one of the ones wondering âwhere is Elizabeth?â I was in The City on Wednesday for a play with friends and kept an eye out on the chance you might go by. Life is good on my end, very busydys and today I am exhausted. Carter and Dan moved into their own home about a month ago and Carter is only with me 3 days a week now. Today we are heading out to see Spider Man as I am too tired to do yard work. I did try to send a message the other day but had the wrong address â my skills have not greatly improved on this thing. Please send my greeting to Rose for me. Godâs blessings – Barbara